The 44th running of the Hemingways Buffalo Marathon proved that the local community has a healthy appetite for distance running, with local clubs taking on pockets of visitors from around South Africa.
With a standard 42.2km marathon and half that distance being on offer, a broad spectrum of runners and walkers were catered for.
The men’s marathon, while producing a good contest, was disappointing time-wise, while the women’s race came close to producing a new record when Ann Ashworth of Born 2 Run Johannesburg ran powerfully throughout, finishing in 2:48:13.
Ashworth was absolutely delighted at the finish, having run a personal best. Pressed about returning to defend her title next year, she was non-committal, though the smile that creased her lips was probably ‘enough said’.
In the men’s race it was another visitor, Jerry Rakau of Fitness from Africa AC, who came through right at the end to pip local favourite Bulelani Mgubo of all Stars virtually in the arena.
Rakau was credited with a 2:31:03 and Mgubo 2:34:35.
Another favourite for the race, Nkosinathi Nzingo of Nedbank, was third in 2:34:35, while Born 2 Run’s Masivuye Poswa, new to the local scene, had gone out in front early on but found the pace too fast and settled for fourth with a time of 2:39:21. Others who were in the mix during the race included Mduduzi Khumalo of Phumza KZN, Sbusiso Nxele running as an individual, and Trad Cruickshank of Born 2 Run Johannesburg.
While the women’s race wore on and Ashworth became a clear winner, local lass and Born 2 Run club mate, Stephanie Smith, also ran beautifully, finishing second, just six months after giving birth to her daughter.
Smith looked relaxed through much of the 42km and finished in 2:57:07, not far off her best time for the race, and with an expression of sheer delight.
If the first two positions were tied up early on, the race for third to fifth was a nail-biting affair.
In the end Born 2 Run sisters Caryn Lategan and Lauren Ranger prevailed, with personal best times of 2:10 and 2:11 respectively.
Andrea Ranger of Old Selbornians finished 5th, Karen Davis of Born 2 Run 6th, and Ingrid Webber of Old Selbornians 7th.
In the half marathon the men’s racing was of a much higher quality and for the third time this year Lukanyo Ngxoko of Born 2 Run and Luthando Hejana of Real Gijimas went head to head.
For the third time Lukanyo prevailed to win in 65:22, thirty-eight seconds ahead of Hejana.
Zingisile Marikeni of Nedbank, a previous marathon winner, settled for the shorter race and took third spot in 71:54. Andile Stali and Xolisa Ndlumbini followed in 74:16 and 76:43 respectively.
The women also enjoyed a good competitive race, with Born 2 Run duo Jaime Griffiths and Michelle Conroy taking one and two. Griffiths ran 95:53 and Conroy 97:49.
As was predicted Chantelle Adoons of United AC was also in the fray, and finished third in 99:33.
General consensus after the race was that with many a personal best being recorded throughout the fields, visiting runners, particularly from Gauteng, will be re-energised to participate in 2018.
Personal bests rule at Buffs
With a standard 42.2km marathon and half that distance being on offer, a broad spectrum of runners and walkers were catered for.
The men’s marathon, while producing a good contest, was disappointing time-wise, while the women’s race came close to producing a new record when Ann Ashworth of Born 2 Run Johannesburg ran powerfully throughout, finishing in 2:48:13.
Ashworth was absolutely delighted at the finish, having run a personal best. Pressed about returning to defend her title next year, she was non-committal, though the smile that creased her lips was probably ‘enough said’.
In the men’s race it was another visitor, Jerry Rakau of Fitness from Africa AC, who came through right at the end to pip local favourite Bulelani Mgubo of all Stars virtually in the arena.
Rakau was credited with a 2:31:03 and Mgubo 2:34:35.
Another favourite for the race, Nkosinathi Nzingo of Nedbank, was third in 2:34:35, while Born 2 Run’s Masivuye Poswa, new to the local scene, had gone out in front early on but found the pace too fast and settled for fourth with a time of 2:39:21. Others who were in the mix during the race included Mduduzi Khumalo of Phumza KZN, Sbusiso Nxele running as an individual, and Trad Cruickshank of Born 2 Run Johannesburg.
While the women’s race wore on and Ashworth became a clear winner, local lass and Born 2 Run club mate, Stephanie Smith, also ran beautifully, finishing second, just six months after giving birth to her daughter.
Smith looked relaxed through much of the 42km and finished in 2:57:07, not far off her best time for the race, and with an expression of sheer delight.
If the first two positions were tied up early on, the race for third to fifth was a nail-biting affair.
In the end Born 2 Run sisters Caryn Lategan and Lauren Ranger prevailed, with personal best times of 2:10 and 2:11 respectively.
Andrea Ranger of Old Selbornians finished 5th, Karen Davis of Born 2 Run 6th, and Ingrid Webber of Old Selbornians 7th.
In the half marathon the men’s racing was of a much higher quality and for the third time this year Lukanyo Ngxoko of Born 2 Run and Luthando Hejana of Real Gijimas went head to head.
For the third time Lukanyo prevailed to win in 65:22, thirty-eight seconds ahead of Hejana.
Zingisile Marikeni of Nedbank, a previous marathon winner, settled for the shorter race and took third spot in 71:54. Andile Stali and Xolisa Ndlumbini followed in 74:16 and 76:43 respectively.
The women also enjoyed a good competitive race, with Born 2 Run duo Jaime Griffiths and Michelle Conroy taking one and two. Griffiths ran 95:53 and Conroy 97:49.
As was predicted Chantelle Adoons of United AC was also in the fray, and finished third in 99:33.
General consensus after the race was that with many a personal best being recorded throughout the fields, visiting runners, particularly from Gauteng, will be re-energised to participate in 2018.
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